Duillier Castle

Duillier Castle is located in the municipality of Duillier, Switzerland. The site has origins tracing back to the 12th century when it was first mentioned in records, indicating its establishment by the medieval civilization inhabiting the region.

In 1490, the property is referred to as a “house or tower,” sold by Jean d’Usier to Amédée de Chatillon. The presence of heraldic sculptures on the tower’s façade documents a connection between the Favre de Begnins and Chatillon de Michaille families around this time, suggesting alliances that shaped its early history.

Following the Bernese conquest of the region in 1536, ownership of the Duillier seigneury shifted through several families. By 1586-1587, Hans Rudolf Wurstemberger, who served as the bailiff of Nyon, purchased the fortified structure. In the mid-17th century, Vincenz Wagner inherited the estate and brought significant changes, elevating it to a seigneury with judicial authority and adding a secure chamber atop one of its towers.

The castle took on a cultural and intellectual role when Jean-Baptiste Fatio acquired it in 1669. A notable printing press was established on the premises in 1675 by Jean Hermann Widerhold. This press gained recognition for producing counterfeit works along with pioneering linguistic publications such as the first dictionary featuring French, Italian, and Latin, and the first French dictionary organized by a systematic method. The press was later managed by David Ritter.

From 1753 onwards, the Bazin de Liméville family, connected through alliances with the Fatio and Guiguer de Prangins families, assumed ownership of the castle. They eventually sold it to Count Saint-George de Marsay, who also owned Changins Castle nearby. The castle has been under the custodianship of the Humbert family since 1922.

In modern times, the castle experienced partial destruction caused by fire during the night of December 7-8, 2011. Recognized for its cultural importance, it has been listed as a property of national significance since 1976 and was officially designated as a historic monument on March 9, 2016. The castle remains closely tied to viticulture, situated within a vineyard spanning 14 hectares noted for producing some of the earliest Pinot Blanc wines in the Côte region.